In today's just-in-time world, the pressure is on converters
and extruders to produce high quality, low cost goods and produce them
faster than ever before. These demands require streamlining of existing
machinery and thoughtful improvements with cost efficiency the primary
goal. However, increased web speed results in increased generation of
static charges on the surface of the material due to the contact and
separation (friction) of two materials, such as substrate and the
machine roller.

The generation of static charges causes problems because the moving
substrate (nonwoven material) attracts and retains airborne
contamination similar to a magnet attracting metal. This attraction
makes it virtually impossible to produce a cost effective, contamination
free, quality product.

Static neutralization equipment such as static bars will remove the
charge from the surface of the material. However, the particulate
contamination normally remains, leaving the surface no cleaner than
prior to neutralization. Ionized air nozzles can successfully neutralize
the static and dislodge some of the particulate from the surface using
compressed air. However, this does not stop dust and dirt from
collecting on the substrate further downstream, because the ambient air
becomes contaminated with suspended dust and dirt particles.

A surefire solution to the problem is a custom-engineered
Neutro-Vac Web Cleaning System, SIMCO's combination static
eliminator, aggressive particle agitor and vacuum for containment and
collection of the dislodged debris.

Developed with a wide variety of production requirements in mind,
Neutro-Vac Systems feature four cleaning/vacuuming options including
both non-contact (compressed air) and contact (brush) cleaning systems.

Found to be extremely successful on porous nonwoven materials,
Neutro-Vac's non-contact system uses an aggressive air-blast on the
surface of the material, which successfully dislodges for vacuum
removal.

Four types of standard vacuum hoods are used when configuring
Neutro-Vac Systems. The most recent addition to the line of hoods is the
triple draft hood, found to be extremely efficient at handling the
unique needs of large webs from 84-144 inches in width.

The third and final component of the Neutro-Vac System vital to its
success is the dust collector. Two types are offered as standard units with a variety of sizes available in each type. The most efficient dust
collector is self-cleaning and uses a pleated media cartridge filter
that is rated 99% efficient at 0.5 micron particle size.

The end result of applying a custom-engineered Neutro-Vac System
from SIMCO - increased cleanliness, improved quality and higher
production yields while maintaining web speeds and reducing downtime for
cleaning of materials or machines.

For more detailed information and application assistance, contact
Simco at (215) 822-6401.

COPYRIGHT 1993 Rodman Publications, Inc.
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.